The Social Media Church

Image via Wikipedia

By: Larry Lewis

I have been thinking long and hard about the issue of THE CHURCH and SOCIAL MEDIA. The Church, especially smaller churches, have a unique opportunity to utilize social media tools to reach out to it’s community and engaging it’s members through the use of Web.2.0 techniques.

Web based tools now make it possible for Churches to record a podcast of Sermons or Skype evening Bible studies so that members of smaller study groups can unite online.

Here are a few of the areas I think more churches can begin utilizing Social  Media:

Churches as other non-profits are facing tough times trying to keep funding for their various ministries coming in. A good idea might be to create a sponsored events page which the church could then use Twitter to send e-blast out in support of their sponsor(s). In that way the church can drive traffic to the sponsors site or store and build traffic through it’s own membership.

Create a Facebook page with event data, video content, and links to various audio and e-content.

Implement online collaboration web applications so that members that are elderly, sick or the disable who have a hard time traveling might participate in weekly bible studies. This would also help any member of the church increase their participation in study group.

Live podcasting of services and weekly topics put together by the church leadership. If the leadership  smaller churches want to build their membership, podcasting is an excellent way to involve members of the community in your online broadcast. Since many podcasting platforms offer free access, there is no cost to the Church to broadcast their podcast.

Resources and Tools

1. www.Facebook.com
2. www.Myspace.com
3. www.Ustreamtv.com
4. www.Blogtalkradio.com
5. www.WordPress.com
6. www.Ning.com
7. www.Skype.com
8. www.Twitter.com
9. www.Talkshoe.com

The Flamingo Road Church provides a good example of a Church that is using Social Media tools in the best way possible to reach out to the community and it’s membership.

Finally, in these tough times people really need help and direction, and many are reaching out to the church. If churches makes better use of Social Media, and works with someone who understands Social Media tools and applications, they will find a hidden flock of lambs.

These are just a few ideas, and by no-means an all-inclusive list, but I wanted to begin somewhere in my ongoing discussion of The Social Media Church

Happy Holidays to you all.

Larry Lewis is a Social Media Consultant with over 20 years of Experience in the Broadcasting and Barter industries. He can be contacted as follows

Larry.Lewis@supinn.com

Twitter: Realmatrix

Facebook: Larry Lewis

How to Start a Consulting Business on a limited Budget.

How to start a Consulting Business? (For theGuy/Gal Next Door)

By: Justus Bey

What makes my advice different?

There are many places you can go to find out how to start a consulting Business. I will explain how to start a consulting business with the smallest amount of capital possible. Honestly, when I started my business twelve years ago,I gave up buying my lunch for two weeks to get incorporated. I thought I needed to be incorporated to get started. That was wrong.

I will provide you advise that I have tested out in the real consulting world. I do not know everything, but I have learned a few things along the way that I am sure will help you in your new adventure. Welcome to the world of the Technocrat.

I am going to show you how I started my business. I am also going to show you the mistakes I made along the way. Then I will show you what I have learned so that you can avoid making the same mistake.

Before you go any further, I suggest you answer the three following questions:

• 1.    How will you build your business?

• 2.    What do you need to get started?

• 3.    What can you do that other people will pay you to do?

Below you will find two definitions that will be important to understanding my writing.

Consultant – Someone who helps a business do something that they cannot accomplish with their current staff. They are suppose to be experts in their fields, but not every consultant meets that requirement.  Good Consultants are always learning to improve their skills. The more experience a consultant brings to the situation the more useful they will be.

Technocrat (my personal definition) – A consultant who specializes in technology. Not only do they have a wide range of technical skills, but they also have highly developed people skills. They know that the customer is right even if the customer is obviously wrong. They always give their best effort and then some more for their clients. They put the client first since it is not only about the money.

What do you need to get started?
1.    Check to see if you are required to have any government approval to provide your service in your area. You might need a basic business license or something more.  Your local government will be able to let you know.

2.    You must have a service to provide. My service is technology, but my niche is solving technical problems using plain English for non-technical clients. If you are unsure, then take some time to make a list of things that you can do that you can offer as a legal for pay service.

3.    I cannot emphasize enough to setup some type of Business entity. Please consult with a lawyer or an account for a complete explanation. I have also listed some online references you should Google or search on Wikipedia

• Sole Proprietorship

• Limited Liability Company

• Corporation (C or S)

Writer’s Bio: This article was written by Mr.Justus Bey who is a 12 year Technology Consultant
For any question or comments you may follow Mr.Bey at the following Social Networking sites.

Twitter: Techangel_bey or search Justus Bey on Facebook.

Your TechAngel IS ON THE WAY.

Image by DBarefoot via Flickr

As I have evalauted topics during the prelaunch of this blog ( Officially Launching 12/26/08) I have come to conclusion that issues surrounding Consulting will be of top concern during 2009. As more and more people get laid off from their jobs in various industries, they will moving into the Consulting arena and need succinct info on how to set-up, evaluate, and maintain their Consulting projects and efficiently use the internet as a tool.

To that end I look forward to intoducing you to Mr. Justus Bey, a 12 year IT consultant who will share his ideas and input for those that have real questions about becoming Consultants.

Justus Bey is known as TechAngel and will be a tremendous addition in providing insights to each and everyone who follows this blog.

You can follow Justus Bey @ Facebook or Twitter at www.twitter.com/Justusbey.

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